British Ambassador Visits Jonglei State

JUBA – The British Ambassador Dr. Alastair McPhail visited Akobo and Pibor areas of Jonglei state to understand the conflict dynamics during the rainy season, and to talk to the Governor Kuol Manyang Juuk about the outcome of the disarmament process and the process towards peace.
   “The Ambassador was accompanied by the British Defence Attaché, Wing Commander Shaun Ryles, and UK Conflict & Stabilisation Advisor for South Sudan, Helen Lewis,” stated in a press release issued by the British Embassy.
   In the release, the ambassador together with his team saw the impact of recent floods which have challenged household cultivation efforts, and have cut off access for some communities to basic services such as schools and health clinics.
  He welcomed the work of the president’s commission for peace in Jonglei which has been working towards peace building among communities.
  In respect to his visit, McPhail asked Juuk various questions related to the basis of their visit.
  “He asked about the effect of austerity on the state’s security situation, economy, and ability to provide basic services. The Ambassador also sought to understand the concerns and problems faced by the police service, SPLA and communities to find out about Jonglei State plans for the future” it revealed.
  The release further revealed that, “Security improvements were evident in Akobo and we hope that this will be sustained despite thedifficulties of austerity. Communities have been honouring the terms of the peace agreement which came out of the May 2012 Jonglei Peace conference. The Governor spoke of the State’s commitment to the diversification of its economy, including through trade with neighbouring Ethiopia”.
  The UK expressed that the SPLA and police service must continue their efforts in tackling and preventing inter-communal violence and delivering security.
  Juuk restated according to the release that all human rights to be protected and the civilians should report all abuses and that violation would be dealt with effectively by the government.